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Cue Column | Note Column

What is a polymer? | Large molecule (macromolecule) built by repetitive bonding of monomers. Natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Studied in two halves: Polymer Chemistry + Environmental Chemistry.

Key polymer types? | By source: Natural (cellulose, rubber, proteins); Synthetic (nylon, polythene, bakelite); Semi-synthetic (rayon, vulcanized rubber). By structure: Linear / Branched / Cross-linked (network). By polymerization: Addition vs Condensation. By thermal behavior: Thermoplastic vs Thermosetting.

Environmental chemistry? | Air pollution (London smog, photochemical smog, acid rain), Ozone depletion, Greenhouse effect, Water pollution (BOD, eutrophication, heavy metals), Green chemistry.

Top NEET tests? | HDPE vs LDPE conditions; Nylon-6 vs Nylon-6,6 monomers; acid rain pH = 5.6 (not 7); BOD scale; Minamata = Hg; Itai-Itai = Cd; CFC → Cl• (catalytic, 100,000 O3).

Summary (bottom): Polymers & Environmental Chemistry yields 1–2 NEET questions yearly. Focus on polymer-monomer matching (especially nylons), HDPE/LDPE condition distinction, and environmental pollution key facts (pH 5.6, BOD limits, disease-metal pairs).